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To do in the Gothenburg archipelago

Some old favourites and new found treasures.

The Gothenburg archipelago is amazing and never before has there been so much to see and do. Experience nature, make new friends at an island Gin & Tonic bar or go on a fascinating seal safari.

THE NORTHERN ARCHIPELAGO

There are ferrys from Lilla Varholmen to Hönö and Björkö all year round, read more here. During the summer, June 18–18 Aug, you can also get to the northern islands with a ferry from Stenpiren and Eriksberg.

The summer ferry docks at southern Hönö in the popular harbour Klåva. Biking is a convenient way to explore the islands, check out this page for more info on where to rent a bike.

Enjoy delicious seafood at Tullhuset and Trubaduren

In Hönö Klåva harbour you will find savoury seafood at Tullhuset and Trubaduren. Both restaurants come with sunny and lively terraces, and there is often music entertainment of some kind. If you miss the ferry back to town, or simply did not have enough of the archipelago, Trubaduren is also a hotel.

Experience the island history at Fiskemuseet

Fishing, fishermen and fishing boats are crucial to the archipelago's history and culture. At The Fishing Museum in Hönö Klåva you can step into a distant time filled with pilots, sailors and fishing nets and enjoy an inspiring history lesson.

Go for a salty swim

A few minutes' walk from Hönö Klåva you will find the bathing spots Hästen and Lappesand, both equipped with jettys and facilities. Jungfruviken, on eastern Hönö, is well worth a visit and Hjälvik, on Öckerö, has a beautiful sandy beach as well as a beach volley court. It is also possible to find a private bathing spot if you look around!

Fresh shrimps and mackerel at Klåva Fisk

If you want really fresh fish, head over to this traditional place in the Klåva harbour. Stop by to catch a glimpse of the island's fishing culture and leave with some freshly caught shrimps. Or why not order a lunchbox with a mix of smoked salmon, mackerel, crab cakes, salads and sauces, and enjoy it by the sea?

Evert Taube's Vinga, crab fishing and seal safari

Want to get even further out? Join one of the boat trips from Hönö Klåva headed for Vinga, where famous Swedish singer Evert Taube grew up, with its characteristic beacon and lighthouse. You can also go on a seal safari, and watch our grey friends sunbathing on the cliffs, or try your luch at fishing crabs, mackerel and lobster. Kastor Boattrips and Hönö Boat Trips are two of the tour companies.

Go climbing in Ersdalen

This nature reserve on western Hönö is popular among those who like bouldering, a type of rock climbing performed on smaller rock formations. Many of the Ersdalen rocks are beautifully situated by the sea and offer a climbing experience out of the ordinary. No need to be a climber to enjoy this area though, there is plenty of untouched nature to enjoy on the ground!

Have a Swedish fika at Evas på Hälsö

At the cosy little café Evas på Hälsö, by the water in Hälsö harbour, you will find delicious lunches, sandwiches and pastries – made from locally sourced and organic ingredients. Besides enjoying a Swedish fika (coffee or tea with something sweet), you can check out Eva's selection of furnishing details in the shop and go for a walk along the island's lovely trail.

Mingle with sailors at Seaside

This restaurant at the island Björkö has everything you could wish for. Wooden bath barrels filled with hot salty water, a party venue with a private bridge and the restaurant's own boat taxi service. Oh, and plenty of savoury food of course, with a sea-inspired menu that varies according to the seasons. Singalongs and aftersails are a regular part of the event calendar.

Have a Hönö beer

In 2014, marketing professional Mats Hansson decided to start Hönöbryggeriet, and today they brew Lager, American Pale Ale, Indian Pale Ale as well as seasonal beers inspired by the ocean. On the islands you can find their beers at the restaurants Tullhuset, Trubaduren, Franses, Evas på Hälsö and at Systembolaget on Öckerö.

Explore untouched nature on Rörö

It takes a while to get to Rörö, the northernmost island in the archipelago, but if you love wild animals, rare flowers and untouched nature you will not be disappointed. Close to the ferry there is a restaurant as well as a grocery store where you can shop for provisions – before heading out to one of the walking trails. During the summer, the island is covered in heather and honeysuckle, and you can spot various birds, seals, minks, foxes, wild rabbits and horses.

THE SOUTHERN ARCHIPELAGO

The car free islands in the southern archipelago are easily reached with Styrsöbolaget's boats from Stenpiren Travel Centre or Saltholmen boat terminal, read more here.

Mr. GT tends the bar at Café Öbergska

The Gin & Tonic connoisseur Mr. GT (known from the blog with the same name) tends a bar totally committed to Gin & Tonic at Café Öbergska on the island of Styrsö. Visit Mr. GT's website for more information and opening hours.

Brännö Varv – hammocks and chill

Café Varvet on the island Brännö is really something special. The pace is slower, the beer tastes better and the fish taco is quite extraordinary. Put your feet up and just relax. Visit the cafés homepage for more information and opening hours.

Stay the night in a (modern) boathouse

The island Vrångö is a real gem and if you want to stay the night the small houses in the harbour is a good choice of accommodation. In the houses you will find a small kitchen, a shower, a toilet and all you need for a simple yet pleasant stay. A hot tip is to book some kayaks while you’re at it – it is hard to find a better way to see the islands. Visit Kajkanten's page. Another attraction during the summer is the floating sauna.

Brännö Värdshus

Brännö Värdshus is a well-known restaurant and meeting place on the island of Brännö. From time to time they have live music and culture nights.

Traditional dance at Brännö brygga

This is an iconic summer tradition in Sweden! During seven Saturday nights people gather to dance on the island of Brännö. Hop on a ferry and join the party.

Enjoy extraordinary seafood

Gothenburg is home to some of the best fish and shellfish in the world and to enjoy them on the islands is a real treat. Buy some shrimp or crayfish at one of the little shops, such as Fiskeboa on Vrångö and have a picnic on a cliff by the sea.

Visit the island Köpstadsö

Köpstadsö (or Kössö in the local dialect) is the right island to visit if you prefer tranquility over an abundance of restaurants, cafés and such. At this car free island the wheelbarrow is the most common vehicle. Bring a picnic basket and set course for nice walks and a slow but beautiful day by the sea.

Find a great view from an old pilot station

Here and there on the islands you can see small, red miniature buildings. These are former pilot stations from where ships used to be guided through the archipelago in the old days. Of course, the pilot stations where built at locations with unbeatable view – so when you see one, be sure to climb up and take a look for yourself. This picture is from Vrångö and there is a famous one at Brännö island as well.